Our monthly training and networking event will be held on Monday, February 3rd and will cover MassLandlords Benefits and Governance. This presentation will be given by Doug Quattrochi, Executive Director of MassLandlords.
The SWCLA Meets at the Southbridge Community Center aka Casaubon Senior Center
Security deposits are one of the primary liabilities for Massachusetts landlords. If you make a paperwork mistake, you might owe your renter three times the amount of the deposit plus attorney’s fees. And what a lot of paperwork there is! First receipt, second receipt, annual receipt, conditions statement, withholding receipt, signed under the pains and penalties of perjury… Should you even bother?
Well yes, you can successfully take a security deposit. We’ll show you how!
We’ll be reviewing the law, the forms you need, and some concrete examples where landlords have made mistakes and paid for renter damage themselves.
This presentation will be given by MassLandlords staff.
You’ll be ready to take a fully compliant security deposit after this trainingThis security deposit statement cost the landlord loads. We’ll show you why.
Have you seen our Charles River volunteer website? Market data available on rent levels for Waltham and surrounding areas. We encourage you to also take the poll on your current views of the rental market. Use the “Contact Us” form to request a login at crrha.org
MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a “No Sales Pitch” guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.
Wednesday, February 5th
Charles River Meeting Agenda
6:00pm Sign-in/Networking
Networking draws from Waltham, Newton, Weston, Watertown, Wellesley, Wellesley Hills, Lincoln, Dover, Arlington, Belmont, and the western ends of Cambridge and Boston.
6:10pm Pizza and sodas provided
6:40pm Executive Director Doug Quattrochi with the MassLandlords Business Update
Member Minutes – Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
Lots of free parking available at this hour. For your ease of access, do not use the Beaver St entrance. Enter at the Main Entrance on Forest Street and park in Lot 1 or Lot 2. The Conference Center is signed on the north corner of the main quadrangle. Refer to the image below for lot locations and correct entrance into building.
Very easy venue to get to once you’ve seen it. Short walk from the lot to the door.
Food
Pizza, salad
Soda, Water
Cookies
Please feel free to bring a dinner that meets your dietary goals/restrictions
Pricing
Open to the public. Membership is not required! This event is being subsidized by earmarked member donations.
Door:
Public: $34 $24
Members: $29 $19
Early-bird, reserve seven days prior by 12pm:
Public: $32 $22
Members: $24 $14
Premium Members: No charge and no need to register
Join us for a presentation by Attorney Mark Burrell concerning Electronic Filing and the common mistakes made by landlords.
Mark Burrell is a seasoned Landlord/Tenant attorney and has the unique perspective to look at your situation from the eyes of the defendant’s attorney. Besides knowing the ins and outs of what to look for in possible glitches to your Security Deposit accounts that may trip us up as landlords; Attorney Burrell is a great storyteller and we are sure you will be entertained at this event.
Thursday, February 6th
NWCLA Meeting Agenda
Visit nwcla.com for any last-minute updates or changes.
6:45pm Dinner and Networking
Networking draws from 25 towns including Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Athol, Holden, Ayer, Orange, Ashburnham, Spencer, Ashby, Lunenburg, Townsend, Westminster, Princeton, Sterling, Lancaster, Shirley, Groton, Pepperell, Winchedon, Templeton, and Hubbardston.
There is ample free parking beside the school. Do not park along the fence where the busses park. Do not park in any of the handicap spots unless you have the proper handicap parking sticker.
Food
Dinner by Happy Jack’s Cantina Grille from N. Main St. in Leominster.
Pricing
Membership not required! Open to the public.
Early-bird ends seven days prior @ 12pm:
Public and Members other than NWCLA: $15
MassLandlords.net/NWCLA members: pay annual dues, then free
After Early bird or at the door:
Public and Members other than NWCLA: $20
MassLandlords.net/NWCLA members: pay annual dues, then free
Deleading is easier than ever, and more important than ever. Changes in 2017 reduced the cost to landlords, but also changed the legal definition of lead poisoning, increasing our liability.
This segment will give the basics of lead remediation: why lead is hazardous, where we find lead, and how to eliminate the hazard. We will review deleading methods, letters of interim control, and certificates of deleading compliance.
This is not a moderate risk deleader training. Attendees will learn about the DIY deleading training that is available (typically, 12 hours), and will also learn about the costs and benefits of hiring professionals. Lastly, because this is a landlording event, we will talk about deleading with residents in the unit, how to navigate the arrival of children, and how to ensure both you and your renters stay happy and healthy.
Learn about Deleading
Tuesday, February 11th
MetroWest Property Owners Association Meeting Agenda
Leases have the advantage of providing long-term stability for you and your renter. But sudden real estate tax increases can destroy a carefully calculated rent and turn a lease upside-down, eliminating the net income you were banking on. Is there anything you can do?
Come learn about tax escalation clauses, which when added prior to a tenancy can give you an emergency escape out of a losing lease.
We’re review the section of the law that applies. Attendees will leave with the exact wording in our “Optional Clauses.” Finally, we’ll have a brief discussion on whether escalators should be invoked routinely or only in case of emergency.
Part II: A Landlord Case Study: Does it Make Sense to Renovate Your Rental?
Renovations can be costly and stressful. Does the reward justify the investment? In this featured part of the presentation, we will review actual numbers from a renovation in Fitchburg and look at the return on investment. Pictures will be in plentiful supply as we examine what this one owner did, and how they did it. Cost containment will feature prominently, as will the change in renter dynamics before and after the renovation.
This part of the presentation will be given by Brian Lucier of Belaire Property Management. Member input and renovation tips are welcome.
Tax escalation clauses can help prevent a municipality from sending a lease into the redTo Renovate or Not? Presentation will be given by Belaire Property Management.
Have you seen our Leave Stuff, Take Stuff Table?
Market your business, pick up handouts, give away an old doorknob. Everything goes on our first-come, first-served display table at all our events. Please bring business cards, brochures, coupons. And feel free to pick up your own uncollected marketing materials at the end. Everything not claimed end-of-event may be chucked.
“No Sales Pitch” Guarantee
MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a “No Sales Pitch” guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.
Wednesday, February 12th
Meeting Agenda
5:30pm Sign-in/Networking
Networking draws from Worcester, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Leicester, Paxton, Holden, West Boylston, Boylston, Grafton, Upton, Northbridge, Sutton, Oxford, Charlton, Spencer, Oakham, Rutland, Princeton, Clinton, and Sterling.
6:15pm Buffet Dinner by The Vintage Grille
6:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
Member Minutes – Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
Longmeadow Thu 2/13: Rental Applications, Dealing with the Unreasonable in Smoking and Vaping
Part I: Rental Applications
The critical step in a tenant screening process is the rental application. Is it complete? Is it true? And is it enough?
In this segment, we will review the general context in which tenant screening happens, covering credit, criminal, and housing history. Then we will review the MassLandlords application box-by-box, with examples completed. Can we verify their prior address? What do their pay stubs look like, or do they have proof of subsidy or other income? Why does it say “etc.” under pets? Finally, we’ll give guidance on how to communicate acceptance or rejection, and why ghosting an applicant may come back to haunt you.
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to use the MassLandlords rental application, how to verify information presented, and how to rent knowing your new customers are likely to succeed.
Part II: Dealing with the Unreasonable in Smoking and Vaping
Attorney Larry Farber will share a “must see” case study in dealing with unreasonable requests regarding smoking and vaping. He will also share suggestions for what to include in a lease or addendum to spell out the smoking and vaping policy at your rentals, whether for tobacco or marijuana.
Rental applications turn every landlord into a detectiveAttorney Larry Farber on Dealing with the Unreasonable in Smoking and Vaping
MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a “No Sales Pitch” guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.
Thursday, February 13th
RHAGS Meeting Agenda
5:30pm Sign-in and Networking
Cash bar
Networking draws from Springfield, West Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Ludlow, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Agawam, Southwick, Southampton, Easthampton, Northampton, Westhampton, Hadley, South Hadley, Granby, Amherst, Belchertown, Ware, Palmer, Warren, Monson, and Hampden.
6:00pm Buffet dinner
6:40pm State-wide Business Update and Member Minutes
The critical step in a tenant screening process is the rental application. Is it complete? Is it true? And is it enough?
In this segment, we will review the general context in which tenant screening happens, covering credit, criminal, and housing history. Then we will review the MassLandlords application box-by-box, with examples completed. Can we verify their prior address? What do their pay stubs look like, or do they have proof of subsidy or other income? Why does it say “etc.” under pets? Finally, we’ll give guidance on how to communicate acceptance or rejection, and why ghosting an applicant may come back to haunt you.
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to use the MassLandlords rental application, how to verify information presented, and how to rent knowing your new customers are likely to succeed.
Part II: Tenant Screening Overview
Credit, criminal, eviction history. What can we check and what does it mean? This segment will review all of these factors, as well as give a comprehensive look at discrimination protections. We’ll show you how to protect your assets while also giving equal housing opportunity to all.
We will cover age discrimination and emotional support animals so you know when you can take a photo ID and how to verify requests for reasonable accommodation.
Rental applications turn every landlord into a detectiveTenant screening includes looking at information renters provide as well as third party data sources
Market your business, pick up handouts, give away an old doorknob. Everything goes on our first-come, first-served display table at all our events. Please bring business cards, brochures, coupons. And feel free to pick up your own uncollected marketing materials at the end. Everything not claimed end-of-night may be chucked.
“No Sales Pitch” Guarantee
MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a “No Sales Pitch” guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.
Tuesday, February 18st
Cambridge Meeting Agenda
5:30pm Sign-in and Networking
Networking draws from Cambridge, Boston, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, and Malden.
6:00pm Buffet Dinner
6:40pm Executive Director Doug Quattrochi with the MassLandlords Business Update
Member Minutes – Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
Please note: CIC has several buildings in Kendall Square, two of them being adjacent to each other. The correct location for this event is the building with light colored concrete, vertical windows and a Dunkin Donuts on the ground level. You will NOT see a CIC sign. Refer to the image below.
ID required Upon entering One Broadway, you will need to check in with the lobby security. You’ll just need to show your ID and let them know you’re going to the MassLandlords event in the 5th floor Venture Cafe.
Accessing from the T
Exit the Kendall T stop on Main St.
Cross to the northeast side of Main St. with the Marriott and Chipotle and walk down the street away from Cambridge towards the Longfellow Bridge to Boston.
Cross through the plaza with the five-foot high metal globe; One Broadway is the building undergoing construction across the next street.
Cross over Broadway to arrive at One Broadway.
Parking
Just $10 at Pilgrim Parking, enter after 4pm, a two-minute walk from One Broadway, click here for details. Be careful, some garages are $30. Accessible by T (red line Kendall Square) and highway. For additional parking options see CIC Directions.
Food
Buffet, incl. salad and rolls
Water, sodas
Cookies
*Dietary restrictions: purchase an early-bird ticket and email hello@masslandlords.net, we will accommodate you.
Leftover food is donated to members and/or homeless shelters.
Pricing
Open to the public. Membership is not required!
Door:
Public: $24
Members: $19
Early-bird, reserve seven days prior by 12pm:
Public: $22
Members: $14
Nametags are printed for early-bird public, early-bird member, and premium members only.
Extra Credit
First time attendees: Join as a member before leaving the event, your public ticket will be credited toward membership.
Members: Bring a first-time attendee who joins at the event, your membership will be extended by one month free. No limit.
Brian Duval, Building Inspector for the City of Pittsfield, will be talking about landlord obligations for rental properties, including physical maintenance as well as needed registration and paperwork.
Our Events are Held at Zucchini’s Restaurant in Pittsfield
Tuesday, February 18thth
Berkshire County Meeting Agenda
6:00pm Networking
Networking draws from Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Lanesborough, Cheshire, New Ashford, Adams, North Adams, Clarksburg, Williamstown, Florida, Savoy, Hancock, Dalton, Windsor, Hinsdale, Peru, Richmond, Washington, West Stockbridge, Becket, Tyringham, Alford, Otis, Monterey, Sandisfield, New Marlborough, Sheffield, Egremont, and Mount Washington.
This presentation will go over the essentials of buying or selling occupied property, in other words, leased rentals. We will look at all aspects of the process:
Offer stage – what to include
Due diligence – what rental documents to request from owner/seller
P&S – ensuring correct terms
Closing ensuring transfer of last month’s rent and security deposits
Post closing – starting off relationships with new tenants on the right foot
These best practices ought to be known by all brokers and REALTOR’s, but in practice some don’t. And even if yours does, it’s always a good idea as the incoming or outgoing owner to know enough to supervise. Security deposit liability, for instance, lies with us even if our agents do not comply.
Buying or Selling Occupied Property
This webinar will be given by Attorney Jordana Greenman.
Friday, February 28th
12:00pm Webinar Begins
1:00pm Webinar Ends
Registration
Open to the public. Membership is not required!
Public: $6
Members: $3
Upon purchasing, you will be registered. A password for the webinar will be sent day-of. Registrants will also have full access to the recording to watch or rewatch any time after the webinar is completed.
